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April 24, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

The Royal College of Physicians' report emphasizes the effectiveness of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation but calls for measures to reduce appeal to nonsmokers. It suggests decreasing youth vaping through standardized packaging, flavor restrictions, and retail display bans. The report recommends affordable pricing for adult quit-smokers while deterring youth by taxing disposable e-cigarettes. Researchers stress the need for further studies on vaping health risks and urge regulators to limit the influence of cigarette manufacturers on policy development. They propose regular updates on nicotine product usage effects to inform policy decisions.

April 24, 2024 by gfn.tv

Slovenia has recently enacted a flavour ban that has further cemented its hardening attitude to vaping, but have consumers' voices been ignored throughout these considerations? Joining us today is Liza Katsiashvili of the World Vapers' Alliance to discuss the impact of FCTC and WHO directives on vaping regulations around Europe, and the consumer reaction to Slovenia's flavour ban.

April 24, 2024 by rcplondon.ac.uk

The RCP’s new report says more should be done to reduce the appeal and availability of e-cigarettes to children and young people. E-cigarettes and harm reduction: an evidence review 2024 makes several recommendations for regulation, including restricting the promotion of e-cigarettes on social media, making e-cigarettes less affordable for young people, and introducing standardised packaging to make vapes and e-cigarettes less appealing. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) survey data shows that the prevalence of vaping among children and young people aged 11–17 has more than doubled from 3.2% in 2021 to 7.6% in 2023.

April 23, 2024 by swlondoner.co.uk

Dr. Robson from King’s College London suggests using alternatives like banning colorful vape packaging to address rising young people vaping rates, in response to the government's plan to ban disposable vapes. Research shows standard packaging reduces teen interest, especially in sweet flavors. Dr. Robson highlights the appeal of sweet flavors to both youth and adults and mentions the complex nature of the issue. Menthol bans have had varying success, with Dr. Robson pointing out the existing workaround problems. ASH's Deputy CEO explains the appeal of disposable vapes goes beyond flavor, affecting market trends. London has lower youth vaping rates but still significant compared to the UK.

April 22, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

The UK's proposed generational smoking ban aims to raise the legal age for purchasing cigarettes, though concerns exist about effectiveness and potential fueling of black market sales. Australia must address the stagnant smoking rates among adults while considering innovative solutions like vaping as a safer alternative. Focus should shift towards helping older smokers quit, where vaping has shown promise, rather than solely targeting youth uptake. Prioritizing solutions for stubbornly addicted adult smokers is crucial for public health efforts. Enabling access to safer alternatives could lead to longer and healthier lives, outweighing the emphasis on generational smoking bans.

April 22, 2024 by theconversation.com

There are no quick fixes in addressing public health issues like smoking. Measures like increasing tobacco prices and implementing strict regulations have been effective in reducing smoking rates. Recent legislation in the UK aims to phase out the legal sale of tobacco products and prevent future generations from becoming addicted. Australia has also introduced new tobacco control reforms, with a goal of reducing smoking prevalence. The debate on further restrictions on vaping products is ongoing. These efforts highlight the importance of continued vigilance against the tobacco industry's influence to create a smoke-free future for upcoming generations.

April 18, 2024 by theguardian.com

Smoking addiction affects many, with about 80,000 deaths yearly in the UK. Smoking-related diseases heavily impact deprived areas. Proposals in a tobacco bill aim to create a smoke-free generation, banning sales to under 15s, supported by health professionals and the public. This move can reduce lung cancer, heart diseases, and birth complications over time. The tobacco industry's tactics to promote addiction are concerning, despite evidence showing control measures reduce illegal sales. The bill's approval could significantly improve public health by preventing future diseases and reducing health inequalities for children.

April 18, 2024 by theguardian.com

Smoking addiction affects many, with about 80,000 deaths yearly in the UK. Smoking-related diseases heavily impact deprived areas. Proposals in a tobacco bill aim to create a smoke-free generation, banning sales to under 15s, supported by health professionals and the public. This move can reduce lung cancer, heart diseases, and birth complications over time. The tobacco industry's tactics to promote addiction are concerning, despite evidence showing control measures reduce illegal sales. The bill's approval could significantly improve public health by preventing future diseases and reducing health inequalities for children.

April 17, 2024 by spiked-online.com

Vaping has emerged as a safer alternative to smoking, providing nicotine without harmful combustion byproducts. Despite its popularity with 5.2% of UK adults, some still criticize vaping, ignoring evidence of its reduced risks compared to smoking. With misinformation spreading, studies like the one claiming vaping increases heart failure risk by 19% are met with skepticism due to lack of peer-review and potential biases. The WHO's exaggerated warnings, like linking vaping to seizures, lack substantial evidence. Properly regulated vaping is seen as a successful harm reduction tool, contrasting with anti-nicotine sentiments.

April 17, 2024 by londonlovesbusiness.com

The Swedish government's plan to reduce tax on snus by 20% and increase taxes on cigarettes by 9% has been praised by international experts for recognizing the lower health risks of snus. Sweden aims to become smoke-free, with smoking rates just above 5%, due to the availability and support for alternative products like nicotine pouches and snus. Compared to the EU average, Sweden has significantly fewer tobacco-related deaths. The government's strategy aligns with harm reduction principles, with experts applauding Sweden's leadership in promoting safer alternatives to combat the negative effects of smoking.